They had their first date in South Queensferry so when Leona Scott and Stephen Thomson found the home of their dreams in the town, it seemed like the stars had aligned.

Leona, a fleet manager at Land Rover, and Stephen, who works for Sainsbury’s Bank, had been living in a Barratt flat in the Granton area of Edinburgh but, with a baby due in December, they decided the time was right to move.

And after learning they stood to save several thousand pounds through Barratt Homes’ Loyalty Scheme, everything seemed to fall into place for a move to Dalmeny Park in South Queensferry, west of Edinburgh.

Leona said: “Although we loved Edinburgh, we wanted more space but somewhere that ticked all the boxes with bars and shops, and where we could easily take the train into Edinburgh if we wanted to get into town. We’d looked at older properties and there isn't much out there that didn't need a lot of work.

“Stephen saw online that Barratt were releasing new homes so we drove out to the area and we were the first at the door when the sales office opened. We noted our interest and they kept us informed.

“We knew we wanted a three or four-bedroom house, so we set the ball rolling by selling the flat. Barratt were easy to negotiate with and the Loyalty Scheme helped as well. The money we saved went a long way towards the extras.”

Dalmeny Park offers a mix of two-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom homes, with the couple opting for the three-bedroom Brodie.

Inside the couple's smart kitchen

Their new home features spacious open-plan lounge/ dining room at the back of the property with French doors leading out to the garden with the kitchen at the front. There’s also downstairs storage and a WC, while upstairs there are two double bedrooms and a single along with a good-sized family bathroom. And with many other young families surrounding them, Leona and Stephen feel very at home.

Leona said: “There are lots of families here. The couple next to us have a small baby, and on the other side our neighbour has just finished on maternity leave so we think there must be something in the water here.”

As Leona works in Newbridge, and Stephen at the Gyle on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Dalmeny Park is also the ideal commuting base.

Just 10 miles from Edinburgh and close to rail and road links as well as the planned Queensferry Crossing, the development is well placed for accessing the capital, Fife and West Lothian. Dalmeny rail station is less than half a mile away, while Edinburgh Airport is also close.